The poster titled Lick Them Over There! – Come On Canada! is an evocative piece of World War II Canadian propaganda designed to galvanize support and encourage enlistment. It depicts a Canadian soldier in uniform, holding a rifle, standing astride the Atlantic Ocean, symbolically connecting Canada and Europe.
The soldier's right leg is firmly planted in Canada, and his left leg reaches across the Atlantic to Europe. His stance conveys a sense of determination and readiness for action. He points forcefully towards Europe, shouting a call to action. In the background, a Union Jack flag waves, symbolizing the United Kingdom and the Allied cause. Tanks and anti-aircraft guns are depicted, firing at swastikas in the smoky sky, representing the fight against Nazi Germany. The globe beneath the soldier features a peaceful Canadian village with a church, contrasting the war-torn imagery on the European side.
The phrase LICK THEM OVER THERE! is prominently displayed in bold red letters at the top, emphasizing the urgency and aggressive stance towards defeating the enemy. The supportive slogan COME ON CANADA! in blue letters at the bottom serves as a rallying cry to Canadians. The poster includes a note that it was issued for the Department of National Defence by the Director of Public Information, Ottawa, and printed in Canada, affirming its official status.
Produced during World War II (1939-1945), this poster is part of a broader effort to mobilize the Canadian populace. During the war, propaganda played a crucial role in maintaining public morale, encouraging enlistment, and fostering a sense of national duty. The imagery and text aim to connect the distant battlefields of Europe with the Canadian homeland, urging citizens to contribute to the war effort to protect their way of life and support their allies.
Lick Them Over There! – Come On Canada! is a powerful piece of propaganda that captures the spirit of wartime patriotism and duty. Through dramatic imagery and commanding text, it seeks to inspire and mobilize Canadians to participate actively in the global conflict against the Axis powers. This poster remains a significant artifact of Canada's wartime history, reflecting the country's contributions and sacrifices during World War II.